OXFORD — The Village of Oxford has received $50,000 for tree planting from the State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC). The Village Tree Board will coordinate the planting of 175 street and park trees during the spring and fall of 2022, with guidance from the NYDEC and a local certified arborist.

The grant was awarded in celebration of Arbor Day, as part of a $1.18 million award to communities across the state to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. The grants are part of the second phase of grants through DEC's Division of Lands and Forests' Urban and Community Forestry Program. The program works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees, and help communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests, while enhancing quality of life.

"Trees are vital to our community life, public health, and our environment," said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. "New York State is proud to celebrate Arbor Day by awarding grants to 26 outstanding projects in communities across the state, to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. These innovative projects exemplify New York State's commitment to protecting and enhancing our state's natural resources, while also beautifying communities and enhancing quality of life for a greener future."

The 26 projects receiving funds this year were selected during phase two of the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Round 15 grants, after additional funding was made available. With this announcement, a total of $2.6 million is being awarded to 64 projects across the state.

The awarded projects were selected from 154 applications, ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education, and support from local stakeholders. The UCF grants compliment DEC's ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl.

"Each year, Arbor Day reminds us of the importance of trees and their profound impact on our everyday lives," said NYDEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, flood reduction, increased property values, and improved public health. Investing in the health of New York's communities through the state's Environmental Protection Fund is providing crucial assistance to help our state's vital forests to thrive."

-from the Village of Oxford